The term horse race has come to symbolize the presidential election because it evokes a feeling of excitement, fervor, and awe. It is also a metaphor, allowing for an insider’s perspective on the campaign. The media’s focus on the frontrunners may be a mistake, as the candidates must also compete on substance, not just appearance. In any case, horse racing stories are an entertaining way to introduce the general public to the process.
Much of the media’s horse race coverage is similar to that of political campaigning. The favored candidate usually has a head start, then falls back in the back straight, and finally reaches the home stretch. While this coverage is not as exciting as the actual election, it is still compelling and can be used to lead the audience to an informed conclusion. In addition to its appeal to casual viewers, horse race coverage is an effective door opener for reporting on political issues.
The theory behind a handicap race is that all horses run on equal ground. In a perfect handicap, all runners finish in a dead heat. The BHA assigns each horse an official handicap rating that determines its weight in a handicap race. A higher handicap rating indicates that the horse is more likely to win, and vice versa. This means that a winner is not necessarily the one with the most experience. In this way, a handicap race can provide an insight into the motivation of voters without bias.
In a race where two or more horses take the lead, horse race coverage has many parallels with election coverage. As with other races, a horse’s performance will vary over time, so the coverage can be equally interesting from start to finish. For journalists drawing the horse race metaphor, it is helpful to use polls to find out which candidate has the best chance of winning. By keeping the race open, the media can be more effective at covering political issues.
In the United States, the horse race has a long history. It is practiced in different civilisations all over the world. Archeological evidence shows that it was practiced in ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. It is also present in mythology. The concept of a handicap race has roots in ancient times. A good handicap means that a horse will perform better than its rival. A bad handicap means that it will be undervalued.
In the United States, horse race coverage is similar to election coverage. It begins with a candidate with a head start and lags after the quarter-mile mark. Then, it recovers and catches up. At the home stretch, the candidate gains a significant advantage. The race, however, is still open. It is important to consider the factors that affect the outcome of the elections. Some factors are more important than others, so it is important to understand the process of horse race coverage.